Barbara Sue Thompson Michel, passed away January 28, 2011, after nearly two decades of courageously battling cancer. She was born August 16, 1940, in Ackerman, Miss., the only daughter of Aaron and Alma Thompson. Growing up as a farm girl, Barbara Sue loved animals, nature and music, and throughout her life, she was the compassionate caretaker of countless animals, an accomplished pianist and an exceptional gardener.
In 1958 she graduated from Ackerman High School and went on to attend Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., where she majored in early childhood education and was in the Phi Mu Sorority. After graduating from Millsaps in 1962, Barbara Sue moved to Natchez, Miss., to become an elementary grade school teacher. While working and living in Natchez, Barbara Sue met the love of her life, Donald Clifford Michel. Barbara Sue married Donald June 9, 1963, in Jackson, Miss., and soon after had three children, Michael, Lisa and Samantha. Over the next 34 years, she and her husband, Donald, raised their children; lived in Mississippi, South Carolina and Brandon, Fla.; socialized with their many friends; and traveled and explored the country.
She was predeceased by her mother, father, and brother, Wilmer, and her husband, Donald, who passed in 1997. She leaves behind her three children and six grandchildren, Kaleigh and Madison Carpenter, Olivia and Jillian Devine, and Zachary and Emily Michel.
Barbara Sue will always be remembered as a wonderful and loving daughter, friend, wife, mother and grandmother. She will forever be missed by her family and friends. There will be a graveside ceremony at 3 p.m. Friday, February 4, 2011, at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens.
Schoolmates, if you are on FB, you can see a video tribute to Barbara Sue by her family.
